While alcoholism and problem drinking is not as prevalent among women as men it nonetheless is a serious health concern, deserving greater attention. Investigation results comparing the consumption and problem drinking patterns of women with men finds that lower consumption rates among females cannot be explained by body weight as men drink more both in absolute terms and in relation to their body weight. Problem drinking for men also was higher except in some instances indicating that females experience different problems not fully measurable at present. Employment among women has a different relation to drinking than among men. Past research fails to provide definitive conclusions about the importance of women's social roles and drinking patterns. Social sex role variables, however, suggest that abstention correlates with older age, lower SES, Protestant religion, and "dry" regions. Heavy and problem drinkers show neither consistent role nor social variables, but divorced or unemployed women have the highest rates of problem and heavy drinking, as do married employed women. Further research is needed to define the implications. (LS)